Women's team news | Riglar: Leading this team is a real privilege

Summer signing Grace Riglar took part in a press conference alongside head coach Andy Cook ahead of the Carrow Road fixture against Luton Town.

Summer signing Grace Riglar took part in a press conference alongside head coach Andy Cook ahead of the Carrow Road fixture against Luton Town.

Riglar discussed her move to Norwich City from the Women's Super League 2 and what playing at Carrow Road means to her.

"I'm settling in really well, all the girls and coaches have welcomed me in and it was one of the smoothest transitions I've had joining a club," she said.

"Everyone cares about you as a player and the facilities are fantastic."

When asked about what attracted the former Championship player to the club, she added: "The people and the place, for me, where I've come from in my career, I've wanted a new challenge.

"Where I've been in the Championship, I've been battling to stay in the league for a few years, being at clubs that haven't fully supported the women's team, so it was really important for me to come to a club that fully supported their women's team.

"I want to help push on and take this team to where it deserves to be. I came down in the off-season to meet with Flo (Allen) and Andy and from then on my mind was pretty set that this was the place I could see myself being.

"There's not much difference here compared to other levels I have played at, this league is like any other; it's hard, you've got to beat what's in front of you and fight every game to get results. Any team can beat anyone in their day, which is similar to any other level I've played at."

Riglar has been fortunate enough to experience promotion-winning campaigns in the past and is hoping to replicate that with City.

City have started the season promisingly but will need to continue that until April to secure top spot.

"When I was with Leicester, that feeling of winning the league after working so hard and being so consistent is such a great feeling," she explains.

"It requires a lot of hard work, it's not a given and we are going to have to work really hard. I think if we can achieve that with this group of players it will be a good season.

"The main thing for me is that we are really together as a team, if we work hard, we can perform consistently throughout the season. I've loved seeing the attendances from our fans at The Nest and away games, so to see that on a bigger scale will be great.

"The crowd is going to make a big difference for us, I'm really excited to see all of our supporters. We're going to give everything we possibly can to put on a good performance this weekend.

"When I wasn't in the squad for Peterborough, it was really nice to chat to some of the fans there, listening to so many of them talk about how long they've been supporting the women's team."

With Sarah Quantrill sidelined through injury, Riglar has stepped up as captain, guiding the team to two wins from the opening three league matches.

"It's been a really good challenge for me, the girls have made it really easy so leading them is a real privilege.

"I know I have the qualities to be a good leader and a good captain but that doesn't come without a good squad behind you."